Vicat sales up 28.8%

Increased concrete and aggregates sales in the first three months of 2011 have helped France-based 684 Vicat to record a sales growth of 28.8% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year. The company has reported sales of €518million for the period, with a 32% increase in aggregates and concrete sales contributing €180million to the total.

The company reported that business was buoyant in emerging markets and there were signs of a gradual recovery in the US too. Vicat said that the significant rebound in the European market was due to a dynamic sector and favourable weather conditions.

Despite the positive start to the year, the company has forecast a slight drop in its EBITDA for the full year due to the impact of the situation in Egypt and new cement plant launches in India and Kazakhstan.